Name: Super Easy Tempeh Bacon
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 2 tablespoons tamari; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons smoked paprika; 8 ounces 225 g tempeh, cut legthwise into 1/4-inch slices (see note)

Serves 2 to 4

_{Photo by Justin Limoges}

This tempeh bacon recipe is so simple, fast and foolproof.

The first time I ever tried tempeh bacon (or vegan bacon in general) was back in the 80s. Everyone wanted their MTV and you could find tempeh bacon at every health food store and every vegan brunch spot. We could not get enough of it. And, honestly, I still can’t.

Is the texture like bacon? No. But does it taste just like bacon? Still no. Tempeh bacon is not fooling anyone. But it doesn’t matter. It is so smoky, crispy, and yummy that none of that even matters.

This easy, crispy vegan tempeh bacon recipe is just 5 ingredients and about 30 minutes, and you can cook it however you like: stovetop, air fryer, or oven. The marinade is maple syrup, tamari, olive oil, and smoked paprika, which sounds simple because it is, but it smacks every time. The nutty, funky tempeh soaks it all up and comes out of the pan with crispy edges and a deep smoky flavor that is difficult to stop snacking on.

Do not hesitate to make a double batch, or even triple it. Think of it as a high-protein jerky. Get ready to party like it’s 1989.

Note on slicing: In the photo you’ll see long strips cut lengthwise, which look great but can be a little unwieldy to flip. Cutting widthwise into shorter strips is a little easier to manage in the pan and still gets you everything you want.

WHERE AND HOW TO USE TEMPEH BACON

On a Caesar Salad — the classic pairing and it holds up every time.

Tossed into Dragon Noodle Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing for a smoky, spicy situation that really works.

Alongside Fronch Toast or Cinnamon Walnut Fig Waffles for a full brunch spread. Tempeh bacon and maple syrup in the same bite is not an accident — it is a lifestyle.

Stuffed into a Tofu Omelet or served alongside a Tofu Scramble. Either way it’s the protein that pulls the whole plate together.

Don’t sleep on Baked Beans. Tempeh Bacon is perfect broken up into pieces and scattered on top.

Make it into a sandwich. Go classic TLT — Tempeh, Lettuce, Tomato on toasted bread with a generous amount of vegan mayo and you are done. Well, add avocado, too. Or roll everything into a breakfast wrap with scrambled tofu, guac, salsa, and whatever else you’ve got going on. Both are excellent reasons to have a batch in the fridge at all times.

TEMPEH BACON FAQ

What is tempeh and where do I find it? Tempeh is an Indonesian fermented soy bean patty with a firm, nutty texture. You can find it in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, usually near the tofu. Lightlife is the most widely available brand. I like Soy Boy, too!

Does this actually taste like bacon? Nope. It tastes like tempeh bacon, which is its own thing entirely and a very good thing. Smoky, nutty, a little sweet, crispy at the edges. Go in expecting that and you will be very happy.

Can I make this tempeh bacon recipe ahead? Yah.. It keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days and is great cold straight from the container. Also reheats well in a dry pan for a minute or two.

Is this recipe gluten-free? Use gluten-free tamari instead of regular and you’re good. Most tamari is gluten-free but double check the label.How did I end up here? You were probably searching for “vegan bacon,” “tempeh bacon recipe,” or “easy tempeh bacon.” This is the one. Smoky, crispy, and in its own lane since 1989.

How did I end up here? You were probably searching for “vegan bacon,” “tempeh bacon recipe,” or “easy tempeh bacon.” This is the one. Smoky, crispy, and in its own lane since 1989.

What if I don’t like tempeh? I don’t know what to tell you, bud!